McGregor said people are worried about tying up the town's borrowing power, especially as Norman Wells faces a potential population increase and greater demands on its infrastructure due to the increased oil and gas exploration.

Biomass 'unproven' in North, McGregor says

McGregor works for the Sahtu Business Development Centre, which provides small business counselling and advisory services, as well as loans.

That business experience in Norman Wells has given McGregor a different point of view.

Gregor Harold McGregor, who is challenging to be the town's mayor, says the proposed biomass project is too expensive and also untested so far north. (CBC)

"The way it is and the way it's always been is that we're an oil town. There's propane available and there's wood pellets available on a private, individual basis if that's what you want, and that's the way it should be," he said.

McGregor said biomass heating systems are unproven so far north.

While heating is taking centre stage, voters say the other concerning issues are: how the landfill is run and how to prepare for the town's expansion.